"I'm curious why you came if my opinion doesn't matter," Martin says.

"I told you," Malcolm replies. "To foil whatever plan you cooked up to get Harley alone. She's not a damsel in distress, but she still doesn't need to be cornered by you."

"Oh, I'm quite aware she's not a damsel," Martin says, taking a seat in his chair and leaning back in it. "I dare say she and I probably have more in common than you two do."

A shiver goes down Malcolm's spine and he clenches his hand to keep it from shaking.